Graduates of the Class of 2023 celebrate their achievements during the ceremony.
Colleges and universities across Southern New England are celebrating graduation for the Class of 2023 this May. With prominent speakers and ceremonies, institutions like the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College are highlights of the season. Early events began with Johnson and Wales University and culminate with Brown University’s commencement. Notable speakers include former governors and community leaders, emphasizing students’ achievements as they prepare for new opportunities.
Providence, Rhode Island – As Southern New England embraces the spring season, numerous colleges and universities throughout the region are celebrating graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2023. These events, showcasing students’ achievements and featuring prominent speakers, are taking place throughout May. Key ceremonies are being held at institutions including the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, Providence College, Wheaton College, Bristol Community College, Stonehill College, and Salve Regina University.
Johnson and Wales University commenced its graduation celebrations early on May 3, with Roger Williams University following on May 5. The New England Institute of Technology hosted its ceremony on May 4, featuring former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker as the keynote speaker. Additionally, both the Community College of Rhode Island and the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth are scheduled to hold their ceremonies on May 15, while Brown University will conclude the month with its commencement on May 25.
This weekend, Governor Dan McKee (D-RI) is set to address graduates at both Rhode Island College and Salve Regina University’s ceremonies. Notable commencement speakers across various schools include multiple distinguished individuals, each contributing their insights to inspire the graduates.
The list of keynote speakers for this year’s graduation ceremonies is diverse and impressive. Greg Cook will be speaking at Johnson & Wales University, while New England Institute of Technology boasts former Governor Charlie Baker. Rhode Island College will feature George Nee for its undergraduate ceremony and Princess Sirleaf Bomba for the graduate ceremony.
At the University of Rhode Island, Steven Feinberg is among the featured speakers, while Roger Williams University’s law school will host Cole Brauer and Judge Clifton B. Newman. David Beirne and Martha Wofford are scheduled for their respective undergraduate and graduate ceremonies at Bryant University.
Salve Regina University welcomes Cody Keenan as its speaker, alongside Judge Frank Caprio at Providence College’s undergraduate ceremony. Brown University’s commencement is set to be addressed by Nkéke Harris and Aliza Kopans, alongside Rose B. Simpson for the Rhode Island School of Design.
Rhode Island College’s advanced degree ceremony will take place on May 15 at 5:30 p.m., with graduate ceremonies at the University of Rhode Island occurring from May 15 through May 19. Many of the graduation festivities are scheduled to occur at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, as well as on the campuses of the individual institutions.
Throughout these graduation events, various institutions will also present honorary degrees to recognize exceptional contributions to society. Among those receiving honorary degrees, Steven Feinberg will be honored at the University of Rhode Island, while George Nee and Princess Sirleaf Bomba will receive recognition at Rhode Island College. Bryant University will present honorary doctorates to several notable contributors during its ceremonies.
The graduation season is a pivotal time for students, their families, and academic institutions across Southern New England, marking not just the completion of a critical chapter in education, but also a step into new opportunities and challenges ahead. As each of these ceremonies unfold, they will celebrate resilience, achievement, and a collective commitment to future success.
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